Teams targeting Iowa State three-star 2025 legacy WDE/OLB Sam Hayward
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For those curious about what Sam Hayward (6-3, 205) has been up to lately, a lot of the usual for him – making plays on offense and terrorizing quarterbacks and running backs on defense making offensive linemen look silly in the process. The two-way standout for Providence High School (Jacksonville, Fla.) has caught recruiting attention for his productivity on the field with a fresh crop of next level scouts watching his evolution on the gridiron this fall.
Flipping on the film or hanging in the stands for a Stallions’ game, Hayward will be highlighted all over the place throughout his junior year.
“I’m playing tight end, outside linebacker, defensive end, and sometimes they have me at defensive tackle,” Hayward stated.
Providence is off to a 1-1 start but trending up.
“Our season is going pretty good,” Hayward said. “Unfortunately, we lost our first game; we should have won that one. We came back strong in our second one and won. We are working.”
Stats through eight games last fall had Hayward with 12 receptions for 174 yards with two touchdowns and 37 stops, 12 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Offseason workouts are paying off early in the 2023 schedule.
“The big improvement is my football IQ,” Hayward shared. “I am identifying formations on defense, playing faster, and I am playing more confidently.”
The two-game 2023 stat line for Hayward: five tackles, two tackles for a loss, and four quarterback hurries on defense and one reception for 22 yards and one carry covering seven. The production is going towards Hayward’s personal goals.
“Being honest, I have a little sticky note downstairs; I want 13 sacks and 80-plus tackles to set a high bar,” Hayward stated.
Six scholarship opportunities have been set down for Hayward with Vanderbilt, Iowa State, Georgia Tech, Massachusetts, and Western Michigan in the mix.
“Cincinnati is showing interest; I just got off the phone with them,” Hayward said. “Virginia Tech is also showing interest.”
The call with the Bearcats was detailed.
“It was pretty good,” Hayward shared. “It was nice and chill. They are getting to know me and getting a feel for me. It was nice.”
Out of Nashville, the Commodores are making an impact on Hayward’s recruitment early.
“Vandy, they definitely have been reaching out the most,” Hayward stated. “My dad (Reggie Hayward) played with one of their coaches. They got me out there for a visit. I got to see their facilities; I had a fun time.”
Asked which position college teams are recruiting him to play, Hayward replied, “They are recruiting me as either a defensive end or outside linebacker.”
Summer trips were taken to Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia Tech; more visits are being set.
“My dad is working on our schedule working around our games and school,” Hayward said. “We are looking into Duke and probably Iowa State.”
On the possibility of going to Durham to see the Blue Devils in action, Hayward shared, “Honestly, I haven’t visited Carolina like that. I am interested to see their campus and I want to get the feel of the program.
“I didn’t think about high academic schools until I got the Vanderbilt offer; it is a blessing. Offers from high academic schools, that is taking school to a whole new level. Their (Duke) academics are amazing. I want to see the classrooms and learn about the culture there.”
Ames has a special place in Hayward’s heart.
“My dad went there,” Hayward stated. “He is in the Hall of Fame there. My dad has really good ties with them. They will be high on my list through the process.”
Reggie Hayward was a three-time All-Big 12 selection during his playing career with the Cyclones (1997-00) nabbing Defensive MVP honors at the Insight.com Bowl (2000) and at the Hula Bowl (2000) before becoming a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2001 draft.